Phytanic acid derivative compositions

Abstract

The present invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of preferably non-insulin dependent (NIDDM or so-called Type II) diabetes mellitus, or other conditions associated with impaired glucose tolerance such as obesity, and in particular to the use of phytanic acid derivatives for the said treatment and/or prevention. A method of making a composition for the treatment or prevention of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and related diseases comprising combining phytanic acid or derivatives thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable additive or adjuvant, and a composition for the treatment or prevention of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus comprising phytanic acid or derivatives thereof are also provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A composition for the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus comprising from about 0.1 to about 1000 mg of phytanic acid or a derivative thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
       2. A composition according to  claim 1  wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is selected from the group consisting of diluent, filler, disintegrate, wetting agent, lubricant, colorant, flavorant, adjuvants, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       3. A composition according to  claim 2  wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting of microcrystalline cellulose, starch, sodium starch glycollate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylpolypyrrolidone, magnesium stearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sucrose, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       4. A composition according to  claim 1  comprising from about 0.1 to about 500 mg of phytanic acid or a derivative thereof. 
     
     
       5. A composition according to  claim 4  comprising from about 0.1 to about 100 mg of phytanic acid or a derivative thereof. 
     
     
       6. A dietary supplement comprising a composition for the treatment of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus comprising from about 0.1 to about 1000 mg of phytanic acid or a derivative thereof and an additive or adjuvant.